At Bournemouth Airport in the UK, about 80 workers are awaiting the outcome of a strike vote over a pay dispute, which could lead to the airport’s closure in early September. Similar strikes are planned at 12 airports in Spain.
The vote at Bournemouth Airport involves around 80 Unite union members, including aircraft refuelers, baggage handlers, security and check-in staff, and flight dispatch officers.
If the vote ends on 20 August results in a strike, all flights at the airport could be cancelled in the first week of September 2025.
The airport serves over 950,000 passengers annually and offers direct flights to 34 destinations across Europe and North Africa, operated by airlines including TUI and Ryanair. Popular routes include Tenerife, Rhodes, and Faro.
Pay Offer Rejected
Unite members unanimously rejected the pay offer of a 4.5% increase for the lowest-paid staff up to £12.22 per hour and a 3% raise for the highest-paid staff.
The union argues that due to rising living costs and prices for basic needs, this offer effectively amounts to a real wage cut. It also highlights that despite the airport being profitable, increasing all airport fees by 5% this year, and investing over £50 million in expansion, workers have not been fairly compensated.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham stated, “While Bournemouth Airport invests in the future, it must not leave its workers behind. Our members deserve a fair pay rise.”
Local authority official Janet Wall added, “Any cancellations will be inconvenient for passengers, but the responsibility lies entirely with the employer.”
Strike Preparations at 12 Airports in Spain
The wave of strikes is not limited to the UK. Major walkouts are planned at 12 Spanish airports.
These include Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, Alicante, Ibiza, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, South Tenerife, Girona, Lanzarote, and Santiago de Compostela.
The strike call involves baggage handlers working for Azul Handling, a Ryanair contractor, and is organised by the General Workers’ Union (UGT). The reasons cited include ongoing violations of workers’ rights and job insecurity.
